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What Is Downtown Disney?

By Kristen K.

Characters in Flight Over Downtown Disney

Downtown Disney Area is Walt Disney World’s premier shopping, dining, and entertainment complex located outside of the DisneyParks. Located on the shores of Village Lake across from the Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa, this expansive area is a popular destination for Disney fans. Many return travelers make it either the first or last stop of their Walt Disney World vacation.

There’s so much to see and do you can easily spend a day wandering through this complex of fun activities for every age both day and night! If you can only stop in one area to do your vacation shopping, be sure to stop here.

Dining:

Bongos Cuban Cafe – Created by music superstar Gloria Estefan, this colorful restaurant—a re-creation of a lively 1950s Havana nightclub.

Cap’n Jack’s Restaurant – Dine on chef’s specialties of seafood and American cuisine in a casual waterfront setting with a panoramic view of Buena Vista Lagoon.

Cookes of Dublin – Stop in for classic fish ‘n’ chips, tasty pies and more when you’re on the go.

TrenD – Hip apparel for women with a fashion sense and a love of subtle Disney touches.

World of Disney Store – This 51,000-square-foot retail space is the biggest Disney shopping destination on Earth. With 12 rooms of themed merchandise and it’s very own Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for princess make-overs.

Hoypoloi – An eclectic art gallery

Planet Hollywood on Location – Planet Hollywood Orlando Gear.

House of Blues Company Store – Through its spirit of diversity, House of Blues blends live music, great food and great shopping.

T-Rex Shop – This Dino-Store features a unique selection of apparel, educational toys and other prehistoric merchandise as well as Build-A-Dino™ by Build-A-Bear Workshop®, the only store where you can make your own dino friend.

Pop Gallery – Original, artist-signed pieces and upscale gift items.

Sosa Family Cigars – Premium cigar store features the art of hand-rolling cigars.

Something Silver – From contemporary trends to timeless classics, Something Silver® features a wide variety of jewelry to suit most every style and budget.

Sunglass Icon – Designer sunglasses and eyewear.

Orlando Harley-Davidson Store – Official Harley-Davidson apparel, from T-shirts to leather jackets, plus an array of gifts and collectibles from miniature motorcycles to products for pets

Curl – by Surf King Sammy Duval, the premier surf shop on the East Coast.

littlemissmatched – Mix up your wardrobe with essentials and accessories bursting with color and character.

Apricot LaneBoutique – Mix up your wardrobe with essentials and accessories bursting with color and character.

Attractions: Sure there’s all the shopping and dining you could dream of here, but there’s also a ton of fun to be had!

Cirque du Soleil

DisneyQuest Interactive Theme Park

AMC Downtown Disney 24

House of Blues Music Venue

Characters in Flight Hot Air Balloon

Boat Rentals

Coming in late 2012 Splitsville Bowling Alley

Festivals: Several times a year the Downtown Disney Area plays host to great community festivals.

Festival of the Masters Art & Jazz Fair

Walgreens International Dragon Boat Festival

Festival of the Seasons Winter Holiday Hotspot

DisneyQuest New Years Eve Party

Disney’s Magic Music Days

When to Go: Operating hours for the common areas at Downtown Disney Marketplace are 8:00 am – 1:00 am. Operating hours for the common areas at Downtown West Side are 8:00 am – 2:00 am. These times includes all Downtown Disney promenades, walkways, rest rooms and green spaces. Store hours vary seasonally, but in general you will find the shops open between 9:30 a.m to 11:00 p.m.

How to Get There: Guests staying on property at a Walt Disney World Resort can take the “Downtown Disney” bus from their resort’s bus stop. Buses leave approximately every 20 minutes. Guests staying at staying at Disney’s Port Orleans, Disney’s Saratoga Springs and Disney’s Old Key West Resorts may also get to Downtown Disney by taking the ferryboat.

If you’re interested in any of these great things to see and do at Downtown Disney, be sure to schedule some time in your touring plan to stop by and check them out! As with all things Disney, times as well as shopping & dining options are subject to change.